GIVEAWAY!! WIN £100 Worth of Sexy Hair Products!!

I am so excited as I have an AMAZING giveaway for my lovely readers to enter. The prize is £100 worth of Big Sexy Hair Products, which includes the bloggers favourite What a Tease - Back Comb in a bottle (see my review of it here - its fantastic).  Please note that this giveaway is UK only. 

Please check out my terms and conditions at the bottom of the page :) 

Heres what you can win;

Big volume shampoo - £9.99 | Big volume conditioner - £10.99 | Volumizing dry shampoo - £13.99 | What a tease - £15.99 | Weatherproof - £14.99 | Root pump plus - £12.49 | Spray & play - £10.49 | Flip it over - £14.99 | Total value - £103.92

All you need to do to be entered is:

• Fill out the Raffle Copter form below and;
• 'Like' the Facebook Page for Sexy Hair - here
• Be a follower of my blog Via GFC 
• Leave your email so I can contact you if you win.

For extra entries you can:

• Follow me on twitter
• Tweet about the giveaway
• Follow Big Sexy Hair on Twitter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

1. Open to UK residents only
2. Must be over 18 or have parents permission to supply me with your address, should you be the lucky winner.
3. Competition will open on the 28th April 2013 and close on 20th of May 2013 at 12am GMT.
4. Winner will be selected at random using Raffle Copter.
5. Winner will be notified by email and will have 7 days to respond.
6. If first winner does not respond within the 7 days a second winner will be chosen

Good Luck!!!!

Gem xx

Sunday Bloggers Interview #11

Sunday Bloggers is back, and today I have the lovely Lisa from Topaz and May answering my beauty questions. Lisa's blog is a great mix of beauty and style and I have been a follower of her blog since I first started out blogging about a year ago. I highly recommend you go check her blog out here! Along with the content being great, I absolutely adore the design of her blog.

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1. Why did you start blogging?

I've always loved writing and I've always wanted to write a blog but struggled with what to write about. I tried one about films but realised I'd much rather do fashion and beauty and it just went from there! I had a bit of a push from Kat over at jemimaandted.com as well and I've never looked back!

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love having something I can come home to after work and just enjoy getting stuck into. I love trying new products out and discovering ones I'd never thought to try before. I also love reading other blogs, it's better (and more addictive) than most magazines!

3. What are your favourite make-up brands?

I'm loving Rimmel at the moment. Their "Wake Me Up" range is really affordable and such good quality. I'm also love 17 as well. For higher end I've recently become a little addicted to MAC products. Amazing products, but a bit pricey!

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products (hair, makeup, skin, etc)

Eek that's a hard one! I would probably say Batiste Dry Shampoo as I cannot live without this stuff, my Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush from the US, its a tad pricey but so worth it, 17's Mirror Shine On Lipstick is a really affordable everyday lippie, Essies's nail varnishes without a doubt and La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo at the moment is keeping my skin firmly under control!

5. Do you have any beauty tips to share?

Use what works for you. I've tried so many different things that others have raved about and they just haven't suited me, and then I find things obscure and they're perfect for what I want. Try things you wouldn't usually go for, be a bit brave. Beauty is supposed to be fun!

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A huge thanks to Lisa for taking part, I need to try out the 17 Lipsticks they sound right up my street. If you would like to take part, please email me at gembeauty@hotmail.co.uk or click the page link at the top of my blog :)

Gem x

NOTD: Inspired by Cute Polish Cartoon Nails

I had to do a short NOTD post on these nails as I think they are so cute and eye catching. I got the Idea from Cute Polish, I'm sure you are aware of her YouTube channel, but if you aren't here is a link.

I painted my nails black first, and then painted the pink over the top as I found this technique easier than just painting a black line around the outside of my nails.

Gem x

Worldwide Wardrobe

Travel Supermarket are holding a brilliant competition for us fashion loving bloggers. All we have to do is create an outfit for activities in different destinations. There are 5 in total; Sightseeing in Paris, Shopping in London, Clubbing in Ibiza, Cocktails in New York and Partying at Full Moon Party in Thailand. How many you chose to enter is up to you. There will be a prize for the best outfit in each category, and the prize is an amazing holiday to that destination plus £200 to spend on the outfit! To find out more and how to enter the competition for yourself, click here.

Cat Eye Sunglasses - RiverIsland £10 | Stripe Top - Matalan £10 | Waterfall Leather Jacket - Newlook £39.99 | Chanel Liquid Eyeliner - HoF £26 | Biker Boots - Newlook £24.99 | Jeans - RiverIsland £22| City Bag - ZARA £49.99 | Eiffel Tower Necklace - F21 £2.40
Total: 185.37

When I think of Paris, I think of the classic chic but effortless style that Parisians seem to have. For me Monochrome is classic chic, and luckily it is making a huge comeback this year.

When it came to choosing the bag, I had no trouble choosing it as I have been lusting after the Zara City for ages now and it is the epitome of chic. Its so beautiful and could easily pass off for designer so would feel at home among the scores of designer handbags on the streets of Paris.

I chose biker boots as I think they would be perfect for walking or jumping on the back of a Cyclo. They are comfy yet still really stylish. The waterfall leather jacket is a cute twist on a classic and I love the Eiffel Tower necklace, it gives the outfit a little cute and quirky edge.

No chic ensemble is complete without winged, cat-eye liner so I would use the Chanel Liquid liner to create it.

Tie Die Dress - Internacionale £19.99 | Peace Earrings - Miss Selfridge £6.50 | Nars Laguna Bronzer £26 | Turquoise Clutch - Topshop £34 | Chunky Chain Bracelet - River Island £8 | Turqouise Jelly Shoes - Office £16

Total: £110.49

I haven't been to the white Isle, but when I think about clubbing there I imagine it getting very hot - I designed my outfit with that in mind.

I have however been clubbing abroad and I know a lot of people are out until 6 in the morning, so I was thinking of including wedges with this look but I went for the comfier option of these really cute jelly shoes.

The whole outfit is perfect for taking from the pool or beach, adding the accessories and wearing it straight to the club. It comes in hugely under budget at £110.49, and this leaves you with some spare cash as I have heard Ibiza ain't cheap!

Hat - Topshop £25 | Sleeveless Collar Shirt - Topshop £16 | Coral Belted Skirt - River Island £22 | Shoes - Matalan £6 | Denim Jacket - River Island £35 | Bag - Matalan £16 | Rose Gold Watch - River Island £30

Total: £150

I love visiting London in the spring or summer, and the outfit I have chosen is really spring/summer casual style.

 I have been known to spend 4 hours in Oxford Street Primark alone, so for me flats are a must. I love how the bag looks really high end, but comes in at such a reasonable price.

Bikini Top £26 & Bottoms £14 - Pacha @ River Island | Headband - River Island £25 |Waistcoat - Newlook £22.99 | Embellished Sandals - Topshop £45 | Highwaisted Hot Pants - Topshop £28

Total: £134.99

I had to google the Full Moon Party in Thailand as I had never heard of it before. Basically its a big party one the beach every month on the day of the full moon. I imagine it to be very humid and hot in Thailand, especially if you are going to be partying as well, so I went for a Bikini as a top with the waistcoat to act as a bit of a cover up. 

I adore the colour of the Bikini and think it would look amazing in the beautiful setting of Thailand. 

Dress - Oasis £55 | Flower Statment Necklace - Oasis £25 | Gold Clutch bag - ASOS £30 | Shoes - Dorothy Perkins £48

Total: £158

When I think of cocktails in New York, I immediately think of Sex and the City and Carrie Bradshaw. The ladies of SATC where always decked out in designer dresses, so my outfit had to be designer inspired.

I am a big SATC fan and When I saw the flower necklace, I knew I had to include it as a homage to that flower dress.

The shoes are absolutely gorgeous and look like they could cost 10 times the actual amount, and would feel at home among the Manolos and Jimmy Choos.

Mini Boots & TK Maxx Haul

I took advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offer and got myself the Barry M Gelly polishes I had been lusting over for a while, I'm glad I did as they are lovely. My favourite so far is the nude colour. I also had a £3 off voucher for Revlon so got the Color Stay foundation. I am a lover of Estee Lauder Double Wear, and this is a very similar.

From TK MAXX I got Too Faced Tanning Bed In A Tube which is a wash off tan for £5.99 RRP £22, and Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover for £2.99.

I have used the tan it smells like I have rolled around in a Pina Colada - a no no for some but I love it, haha. It is also so so light, if you have used Rimmels wash off tan you will know it is a bit thick - but this is the total opposite and you only need a tiny amount, it gives an amazing colour.


Gem x

30 Ways to Save £1

The lovely MoneySupermarket are holding another blogger competition, where they are challenging us to come up with 30 ways to save £1. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you would know about my love of a bargain so I think I have some pretty good tips up my sleeve :) Some would say I was a professional bargain hunter, or maybe just a shopaholic. But in all honesty, with only one wage coming into the house I have to be pretty thrifty. So here are my tips;

30 ways to save £1

Shopping

1. Sign up to cash back websites such as top cash back. You can earn back a certain percentage of what you have spent, I have earned £50 so far.

2. Use voucher code websites such as …. You may be able to save on postage, or there may be a voucher for 10 or 20% off.

3. Take advantage of Tesco Clubcard Rewards. You can double or triple your points for days out in theme parks, restaurants and hotels. Take a look here. I recently visited a local adventure farm with my family for “free”.

4. Facebook is great for second hand bargains. There are lots of local selling groups on there where people sell everything from clothes to settees.

5. I love charity shops, I have had some great finds from them. My best buy was a lovely Next coat for £1

6. Car Boots are also a great place to find many bargains. I love to buy clothes and toys for my children here.

7. Boots Advantage Card – Not only do you accumulate points which can be used to purchase, you also get access to money off coupons – pop your card in the machine next time you are in store.

8. If you’re a student, always ask at the till if there is a student discount scheme. I saved a load of money when I was a student by taking advantage of this.

9. Ask your self – Do I really need this? And then ask it again. It works a treat for me and can help stop that impulse buy of a pink lipstick when you already have 10 at home (just me?)

10. Avoid store cards at all costs and use the above tip. The interest is usually astronomical.

Food

11. Cooking from scratch has saved me a lot of money and sometimes it only takes an extra 5 – 10 minutes. Plus it is way healthier too.

12. Plan your meals for the week in advance and take a list to the supermarket. This way you are a lot less likely to be tempted by things you don’t need.

13. Even if the product is on offer, check whether you are actually getting a good deal. For example it may be 2 for £3, but you may only be saving 25p.

14. Use supermarket own brand or value products, this can save a lot of money.

15. Shop around for what is on offer but don’t waste any petrol - my supermarket has a great price checker tool for your favourite brands

Energy Bills

16. Switch your appliance off properly, don’t just leave them on stand by and don’t leave the light on if you’re not in the room.

17. Turn the heating down, even if it’s by a few degrees.

18. Switch to a cool wash, there are plenty of detergents that work just as well at 30 degrees and doing this will not only help your energy bills but the planet as well.

19. Switch energy suppliers. You may not be on the best plan for you, and you can usually get cash back when switching.

Random:

20. Cash for clothes – In recent months there have been loads of these schemes popping up in my area. You take unwanted clothes and they pay you by the Kilo.

21. Bank accounts – a lot of current accounts come with perks such as Travel and Mobile phone insurance, check yours as you may be paying for something you already have.

22. Sales – Take advantage of them. I always buy my Christmas and birthday presents for the year ahead in the Boots Boxing Day half price sale.

23. Book your flights in advance – I managed to get flights to Paris with EasyJet for £25, and closer to the time they were selling for £60

24. When its time to renew your car insurance, always shop around. We found a cheaper deal and told our current providers and they matched it for us.

25. If you haven’t used it / worn it in 6 months – sell it on ebay.

26. Check out your local paper - mine has money off coupons in there every Thursday. You could save on anything from your hair appointment, money off restaurants to toys from Toys R Us.

Kids

27. When the weather is nice, or even when its not – get out doors. It’s free and my children love it more than going to the cinema or softplay.

28. Speaking of the cinema – Take advantage of Orange Wednesdays and Kids

29. Clubs. My son and I like to go on a Saturday morning when it is only £1 each.

  30. Buy clothing second hand where possible. Children grow so quickly they are hardly in them long enough.

So there are my money tips, do you have any?? Don't forget to go and enter the competition for yourselves here!

Gem x

My Current (and very simple) Skin Care Routine - For Acne Prone Sensitive Skin

I don't have the best skin in the world, actually its pretty bad. I have suffered from acne since my teens and at nearly 25 years of age I am still battling with it. I also have large pores, acne scarring and skin that is really sensitive and breaks out all the time.  But I have managed to find a routine that is working for me and keeping my skin looking half decent. I haven't had a breakout in over a month and my pores seem a lot more refined.

I decided to try and make my skincare routine as simple as possible, and as I don't have very dry skin I could get away without using a moisturiser, although Efflaclar Duo does have moisturising properties. My skin has never looked better, and I am positive that its because I have simplified the routine, and found some great products too.

At night I use Cleanse and Polish to remove my make up, and then again for a deeper cleanse. I dont use the toner in the evening, I just apply a liberal amount of Efflaclar Duo on my skin.

In the morning I use a small amount of Cleanse and Polish, about half a pump and then the toner and a small amount of Efflaclar Duo.

Even though I'm not using a lot of products, my skin is looking radiant and my acne is at bay for the moment.

Obviously everyone's skin is different, but if like me you are suffering from acne and sensitive skin, I highly recommend not using a lot of products on your skin.

Gem x

La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo - My Thoughts

I thought I would do a quick review the La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo as its becoming a firm favourite of mine. I have acne prone, sensitive skin that doesn't take to products well but I am loving this. It hasn't broke me out, in fact it has really helped to keep my spots at bay; even hormonal ones.

I love everything about it; the scent is really nice and fresh and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth. It makes a great base for my foundation too, it really is a multi-tasking product. I use it as a blemish treatment, instead of a moisturiser and as a primer. However if you have dry skin, I wouldn't recommend replacing your moisturiser as its not incredibly moisturising.

Overall a great product for me, and one  I would highly recommend trying out if you suffer from sensitive acne prone skin like me.

Gem x

Sunday Bloggers Interview #10

Today I have the lovely Nuala from Makeup Beauty Shopping taking part in my bloggers interview series. I have been following Nuala's blog for ages now and can thoroughly recommend it. She has brilliant pictures and swatches and is a lovely blogger.

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1. Why did you start blogging?

I did a make up course last year and our teacher suggested starting a blog as a way of getting into make up.

I also thought it's a great way to justify the fact that I spend most of my disposable income on make up and beauty items!

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love chatting to all the lovely beauty bloggers on twitter. I have met some great people and am hoping to go to a meet up this year.

It also makes my day when I get comments on my blog and try to reply to them all!

3. What are your favourite make-up brands?

MAC, Bobbi Brown and Estee Lauder

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products (hair, makeup, skin, etc)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Xen Tan Dark Lotion

Urban Decay Original Naked Palette

NARS Laguna Bronzer

5. Do you have any beauty tips to share?

Umm it's hard to think of any at the top of my head but maybe use a bit of  olive oil on synthetic concealer and foundation brushes as it gets all the product out of the brushes!

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A huge thanks to Nuala for taking part. Make sure you check out her blog here: http://makeupbeautyshopping.blogspot.co.uk/

Gem x

NOTD: Lilac Leopard

I think this looks pretty cute, and it was quite simple to do. Leopard print is quite easy to do on the other hand too because you need to be a bit shaky to get the spots looking right.

Gem x

March Favourites / Most Used

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - I really like this for an everyday foundation, its light to medium coverage and used with stay matte powder leaves my skin looking really natural.
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - A regular favourite of mine, such a great setting powder.
La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo - Again, a regular favourite. I love how it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and keeps break outs down to a minimum.
Urban Decay Naked Basics - I have used this palette every day since getting it, I love it. I am not very adventurous when it comes to eye makeup so this palette is perfect for me.

Gem x